“Is It Ok To Window Shop?”
Matthew 5:27-30
Sermon Series: “Flesh”
Introduction: Today, as we move back into the Sermon on the Mount specifically, we are going to look at the root of sexual sin and deal with the heart of the matter and not just external actions. That is one of the major characteristics of the Sermon on the Mount-Jesus always gets to the heart of the issue.
Question: Is it ok to lust for a person as long as you don’t actually have sex with him or her?
Answer-Big Idea: No. Lust is a fire that we have to put out before it burns up our lives.
1. Lust is a serious issue (v. 27-28). According to Jesus, it is a sin. It is no less sinful than actually committing adultery. God’s standard is complete sexual purity (Ephesians 5:3-4, Colossians 3:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). Lust is usually the root of physically committing adultery. It is an issue of the heart. I think it is one of those things that show us how pervasive sin is within us. How many people have never lusted? Lust demonstrates the fact that people can often modify their outward behavior but only Jesus can change the heart. It shows us our need for grace and the cross of Christ.
2. Lust is an issue that must be correctly understood. In other words, it is crucial for us to understand what Jesus is actually saying in these verses.
A. What lust is not-It is not thinking about your spouse in a sexual manner because that is a righteous desire. It is not looking at a person of the opposite sex besides your spouse in a non-sexual manner.
B. What lust is-It is an unrighteous desire. Practically, it is looking at a person besides your spouse, checking out his/her body, and thinking about the person in a sexual way
and/or desiring to have sex with the person. Really, it is a form of stealing because it is desiring someone whom you have no right to.
3. Lust must be dealt with ruthlessly and completely (v. 29-30).
That is what Jesus is saying to us metaphorically in these verses. We have to hate the sin and go to war against it if we are going to overcome it. We have to be willing to do whatever it takes.
4. Lust has serious consequences (v. 29-30). There are serious personal, relational, spiritual, and eternal consequences to this sin. Hopefully, realizing how serious the consequences are will help us to stop excusing it and repent of our sin.
How do we deal with it and overcome it?
According to Romans 13:13-14, it must be dealt with spiritually through Jesus and also practically. Here are some steps to take:
1. Trust Jesus. He is our Lord, our strength, our hope, our satisfaction, and our deliverer (see Romans 6).
2. Walk in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25).
3. Surrender to God, confess sin, and repent of sin (Romans 12:1, 1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11).
4. Renew our minds through the Word of God (Romans 12:2, Psalm 119:9-11).
5. Count the cost and stop justifying and making excuses for our actions.
6. Make dealing with this “a do whatever it takes” priority.
7. Starve the eyes (Job 31:1) and guard our thoughts.
8. Set up practical safeguards
9. Seek help/accountability (James 5:16, Proverbs 27:17).
10. Pursue your spouse if you are married (1 Corinthians 7:3- 5) or prepare for marriage if you are single.
